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Everyone wants to be there for their loved ones when they’re going through a tough time. There are very few times tougher than addiction, but it’s also a demon that not everyone has experience in fighting. As such, what can you do to help a loved one going through addiction while keeping yourself safe? The tips below may be able to help you better understand what is possible, what is reasonable, and what might potentially be dangerous when helping a loved one who is struggling with addiction.

Address your preconceptions

The first thing you should try to do if you really want to help your loved one is to get rid of any feelings of judgment or condemnation. Even if they come from a place of genuine care and disappointment, it can make it harder for your loved one to trust anything you’re saying to them. Instead, try to act with empathy if they reach out to you. Be there, ready to listen and ready to learn. You may also want to consider your relationship with them and how you may have enabled their problems in the past. If that is the case, you can look at ways of reducing your own enabling behavior. It’s not always pretty to look at your role in addiction, but it may be important to their recovery.

Navigate their options with them

One thing that is very important to understand and keep in mind that you are not able to control or direct your loved one’s road to recovery. An intervention may be necessary and helpful but, at some point, they have to be in charge of their own recovery. That doesn’t mean they have to do it without help, however. One of the best ways you can help is taking the time to research treatment options with them, such as counseling and drug addiction rehab center options near them. You can go with them on appointments if they are open to the idea, and give them someone who is safe to talk to about any concerns they might have about the road ahead. Your perspective can help them, but you don’t force it on them.

Take care of yourself

One of the unfortunate risks of trying to help someone fight addiction is that it can take a toll on your own health and life. Sacrificing your attention, time, and care is one thing, but if you’re starting to suffer, then you need to know when to prioritize yourself. You may need help yourself, and you should be willing to reach out for counseling if so. Otherwise, if you are put in physical risk in one way or another, you should know when to cut off any contact that endangers you or your loved ones.

You may be able to help your loved one fight addiction, but you should also be aware of how to do so while keeping yourself healthy and safe. There’s no point burning yourself out to the point of danger to try help someone else.